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32 pp.,8xl0, profusely illustrated. 
Little Stories of Great Pictures. 

The Story of Washington. 

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The Courtship of Miles Standish. 

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THE STORE OF 

Frances E. Willard 



by 

Gertrude Stevens Leavitt 



1905 

L. H. Nelson Company 
Portland, Maine 












uSRArtY or t50Ni3:-(cS5 
Hvu Copies lieceiveo 


APR 17 191)5 


Couyngiu tntry 

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OLrtSS CL XXc. Noi 


//Wlo 

COPY B. 


Copyright, 1905 
BY 

L. H. Nelson Company 









The Story of Frances E. Willard 


^JT^HURSDAY noon, September 28th, 1839, there was great rejoicing in 

the Willard home in Churchville, New York, for into it a much desired 
baby girl had come. The mother thought she would like to name the little 
daughter Victoria for England’s Oueen who had just been placed upon the 
throne, but it was finally decided that Frances Elizabeth was both a good and 
pretty name for an American girl, and for this one in particular. 

Frances was a pretty child, with blue eyes and sunny hair, and was called 
the “ doll baby of the village.” She talked when she was little more than a 
year old, but her little feet took no firm steps until she had reached her second 
birthday. Ffer kind father, who helped take care of her, used to say that she 
ought to grow into something wonderful, for she caused trouble enough. 
Although she had crying times she was a winsome, affectionate little creature, 
early showing great love for those about her—a prophecy of the time when the 
whole world should be held in her all-embracing love. 

When she was two years old the family moved to Oberlin, Ohio. The 
journey was made by carriage, and Mrs. Willard held Frances in her arms 
during the entire trip. The baby was patient, but at times would say to her 
mother, “ Mama, Sissy’s dress aches.” 


5 






THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


When Mr. and Mrs. Willard reached their destination they established a 
new home, and as soon as possible, enrolled themselves as students at Oberlin 
College. These parents were gifted with common and uncommon sense, and 
believing in higher education for both men and women, determined to acquire 
as much knowledge as possible. The children enjoyed the life in the college 
town and Frances used to amuse herself and some of the students as well, by 
standing on the gate-post and imitating the gestures and speeches of one or 
more of the sophomores, who would rehearse for her benefit and delight. 

At Oberlin, another little girl came into the happy circle and was given 
the sweet old name of Mary. 

After five years of study and peaceful life, Mr. Willard’s health failed, and 
hoping for his recovery, the family took up their march westward. In these 
days if one wishes to go West, he has simply to buy his ticket, get aboard the 
train, and in a few hours, or days at most, he has reached his destination. Not 
so in 1846 when Frances Willard was a little girl. At that time there were 
no railroads over the Middle West, and the usual way to travel was by means of 
vehicles called prairie schooners. These were large wagons with canvas tops 

and were similar to 
what we sometimes see 
gypsies use. The 
Willards procured 
three of these and their 
journey began. Mr. 
Willard led the way, 
Oliver, the only son, 
drove the second wag¬ 
on, and Mrs. Willard, 
with little F ranees 
and baby Mary seated 
on an old desk in front 
of her, occupied the 



6 



THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


last conveyance. Dog 
Fido ran behind. 

They did not trav¬ 
el on Sunday, for these 
good people loved God 
and tried to keep his 
commandments, and 
would not willingly 
break the Sabbath. 

Therefore, they rested 
on that day and Mon¬ 
day morning again “At ‘Forest Home,’ as the new habitation was called’* 

began their journey, strengthened in body and in soul. 

On their westward way they passed Chicago, and decided not to settle 
there, for Mr. Willard said the sign, “No Bottom Here,” made him think it 
unwise to remain in such a swampy place as that. But near Janesville, Wis¬ 
consin, they found a spot which was so beautiful a place in which to establish 
a home, that their journey ended, and preparations were made for the erection 
of a dwelling. 

The family lived in Janesville while the house was being built, but did 

not wait for its entire completion. At “ Forest Home,” as the new habitation 

was called, this interesting family remained for several years, contented in being 

“ near to nature’s heart.” Every squirrel, every leaf, every stick and stump 

and stone meant something to these people who, 

“Found tongues in trees, books in the running brooks. 

Sermons in stones and good in everything.” 

Under such surroundings, and with parents whose natures were as rare as 
they were beautiful, what wonder is there that unusual love and sympathy 
marked the relation of father, mother, brother and sisters ? 

Games they had in abundance, but different from those played by city 
children, or even by country lads and lassies of today. Their favorite game 
was Government, and to make it more complete they instituted what they 



7 






THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


called Fort City. In this the big barn was called the ware-house; the pig pen, 
stock yard ; the well, city fountain ; and the granary, city elevator. In the so- 
called charter of Fort City, was a clause providing that there should be no 
saloons, and they decided that therefore they would need no jails. Fort City’s 
Rules of Health were simple and sensible; 

“ Simple food, mostly of vegetables, fish and fowl. 

Plenty of sleep, with very early hours for retiring. 

Flannel clothing next the skin all the year round. 

Feet kept warm, head cool, and nothing worn tight. 

Just as much exercise as possible, only let fresh air and sunshine go 
together. 

No tea or coffee for the children, and no alcoholic drinks or tobacco for 
anybody. 

Tell the truth and mind your parents.” 

Frances could skilfully use carpenters’ tools and made carts, sleds, guns 
and whips, but she “hated the sight” of a dish-cloth or duster. Gentle little 
Mary took kindly to household duties, while Frank, as she was called, loved 
best the things out-of-doors. Nevertheless, no one cared more for home 
comforts and associations than did this dear soul, and no one placed a higher 
value upon them. An illustration of that fact is furnished by a lady who at 
one time displayed her new home to Miss Willard. After seeing all the 
rooms except the kitchen, the guest asked to be shown that, explaining that she 
considered it a most important part of a house and its equipment. The devo¬ 
tion which she felt for home in its best and broadest sense, was in after life 
evinced by the desire she had to “ make the whoje world home-like,” for which 
purpose she made tremendous sacrifices. 

Of all holidays, Fourth of July was the one most enthusiastically observed 
at Forest Home. A flag made by Frances from an old pillow case, with red 
stripes and gilt stars, was proudly carried in their processions, and we are told 
that generous brother Oliver allowed sister Frances to carry the flag half of the 
time. Perhaps this, added to the example set by Mr. Willard, helped to form 
in the child’s mind the deep conviction, that men and women are equally just 
and good. 


8 



THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ She named it Eagle’s Nest in memory of the shelter of long ago” 

While the children usually played together, there was one place which was 
Frances’ own. In an old oak tree she fixed a seat, and there, shielded by the 
branches of the tree, she was safe from intrusion and observation. This refuge 
was marked by a sign bearing these words: “The Eagle’s Nest—Beware!” 
In after years, when she was weary and worn and needed a place of restful 
retreat, friends gave her a charming little cottage in the Catskills, and she 
named it Eagle’s Nest in memory of the shelter of long ago. 

Little spending money had the children of the Willard family but they 
did not complain, for they had no need of dimes or dollars. Such playthings 
and implements as they needed could be had for nothing, and life was full of 


9 







THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


pleasure and of work. 

Mike, one of the 
farm-hands, once gave 
Frances fifty cents, and 
she carefully consid¬ 
ered its purchasing 
power. She bought 
with it a ticket to a 
menagerie, some pep¬ 
permint candy and a 
blank book in which 

to write an essay. The 
“ Little school-house a mile away, built by Mr. Willard and a neighbor” wr j^ er |^ as beard her 

tell of something else, and even a kinder thing, which this same Mike did 
for her. In course of time he was married and had three sturdy sons; and 
at the time of a campaign for prohibition he wrote Miss Willard that, as the 
law would not allow her to vote, he and his boys would vote to please her, 
adding that he had not forgotten the kindness shown him on the farm. 

The family Bible contained a pledge signed first by the father and mother 
and then by the children. It read, 

* ‘ A pledge we make no wine to take. 

Nor brandy red that turns the head. 

Nor fiery rum that ruins home. 

Nor whiskey hot that makes the sot. 

Nor brewer’s beer, for that we fear. 

And cider, too, will never do — 

To quench our thirst we’ll always bring 
Cold water from the well or spring; 

So here we pledge perpetual hate 
To all that can intoxicate.” 

The children of our story were thoughtful of animals for their mother 
taught them to be kind to every living creature, and one of the first verses they 
ever learned was this from Cowper: 

“ I would not rank among my list of friends. 

Though graced with polished manners and fine sense. 

Yet wanting sensibility, the man 
Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm.” 



IO 







THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


One of the important parts of Fort City was the pets’ graveyard, and in it 
one found such inscriptions as these: 

“Beauty and Brighty, our pet rabbits. 

We loved them, but they died.” 

Mary’s White Kitten. 

“ Alas ! poor pet, and did it die ? 

How dismal this must be ! ” 

Although the foundation of the education of the Willard children was 
early laid at home, it had its formal beginning in a little school-house a mile 
away, built by Mr. Willard and a neighbor. When Frances was seventeen, she 
and Mary were sent to Milwaukee Female College, one of whose teachers was 
their aunt. They completed their education at the Northwestern Female 
College, at Evanston, Illinois, in which city, now the loveliest of the suburbs of 
Chicago, Mr. Willard built the house which is now famous as Rest Cottage, 
the home of Frances Willard. 



“ The house which is now famous as Rest Cottage ” 
11 








THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


How Frances was regarded by her college mates is well expressed by one 
of them, Mary Bannister, who afterwards became her sister-in-law. 

“ Frances was at first thought proud, haughty and independent,—sins in 
school-girl codes. The shyness which she concealed under a mask of indiffer¬ 
ence, gave the impression that she really wished to stand aloof from her mates. 
When it came to reciting, all shyness vanished. ‘ My ! can’t she recite ? ’ ‘ The 

new girl beats us all! ’—these were ejaculations that testified to honest school¬ 
girl opinion and prophesied her speedy success. 

“In a few weeks after entering college she was chosen editor of the college 
paper, and leader of all the intellectual forces among the students. She was in 
no sense, however, c a prig.’ None of us was more given over to a safe kind 
of fun and frolic. She was an inventor of sport, and she devised many an 
amusement which involved considerable exercise of wit and intelligence.” 

During her college life, the girls, not wishing to be outdone by the boys, 
established a Greek fraternity of their own. They were supposed to have 
interesting secret rites, but we learn that they did nothing more awful than 
collecting autographs. Some to whom they wrote scolded them well, particu¬ 
larly Horace Greeley. His letter was so hard to decipher, that the girls showed 
it without fear to the boys, who, not being able to read it, felt envious because 
Mr. Greeley had written it. Abraham Lincoln sent his autograph, and Long¬ 
fellow wrote out a verse of Excelsior for them. They sent a request for her 
autograph to Queen Victoria, addressing the letter: 

“VICTORIA, 

Buckingham Palace, 

London, 

England, 

The World,” 

but she did not reply. 

In spite of fun and nonsense Frances did not neglect her studies, and 
graduated at the head of her class. Miss Anna Gordon, in her biography of 
Miss Willard, thus sums up her student life; 

“Taking it all in all, we find her brave and modest, merry and wise, 
winsome, gentle, generous and good, gracious in her dignity, dainty in her 
attire, superb in her friendliness, remarkable in scholarship, and valedictorian 
of her c'ass.” 


12 



THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


Not long after Frances and Mary 
finished school, the first great grief of 
her life came to the elder sister, for God 
took Mary to Heaven. Sometime be¬ 
fore, Frances had learned to “say ‘yes’ 
to God,” and although bowed with 
sorrow she drew nearer to her Heavenly 
Father, who had taken Mary to live 
with him. “ Nineteen Beautiful Years” 
is the name of a little book, which “As 
a tribute, Frank, in tears and loneliness 
brought to lay on Mary’s grave.” This 
record of a sweet young life has proved 
a help and an inspiration to young 
women the world around. 

When Frances had finished college 
she determined to turn her education to 
practical account, and became a country school teacher. Her ability soon 
released her from this position, and she was in turn, assistant, teacher, and 
preceptress in different institutions of learning, finally becoming in 1871, 
President of Evanston College for Ladies, the first woman ever called to such 
a position. This college was connected with the Northwestern University and 
eventually became a part of it. After the union Miss Willard’s position in the 
University was that of Professor of Aesthetics. Her ideas of self-government 
were wonderfully simple and wise, and those who were her students unite in 
praising her both as an instructor and a friend. A change in the presidency of 
the University making it impossible for her to successfully carry on her 
method, she felt called upon to resign, which she accordingly did in 1874. 

Previous to her election as president of Evanston College for Ladies, 
Miss Willard, in company with her friend, Miss Kate Jackson, went abroad, 
and the two sailed from New York one fine spring day. Reaching the shores 



1 3 







THE STORY OK FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ Miss Willard went to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral spire in London ” 
of Ireland these two women began a tour of delight. They included in their 
itinerary Great Britain, the continental countries, Egypt, and the Holy Land. 

They enjoyed the “ Garden of Eden ” as the English call the Isle of 
Wight, and spent a few happy hours at Carisbrooke and Arreton, visiting at 
the latter place the quaintest church in all the kingdom. The next day Miss 
Willard went to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral spire in London, a gymnastic 
feat which she was determined to accomplish because a Boston man had said no 
woman could or should do it. 

They climbed the Alps to visit the famous Hospice of St. Bernard. 
There they ate their dinner of rice soup, omelet, codfish and potatoes, stewed 
pears, rice pudding, figs, filberts, cake and tea. Later in the evening, they sat 

H 









THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


around the roaring fire on the hearth and engaged in friendly conversation with 
the “ Hospitable Father.” He talked freely and proved a delightful host. 
He told them many tales of rescue by the brave, handsome dogs which are 
such a factor in the work of the hospice. 

The father spoke of his connection with the institution and expressed his 
satisfaction at maintaining his good health, saying that some of his predecessors 
could not remain in the high altitude. He cheerfully answered many questions 
and at last one of the party said : “Why are you here ?” Slowly and emphat¬ 
ically the monk replied : “ Brother, it is my calling.” 



“ They climbed the Alps to visit the famous Hospice of St. Bernard ” 


*5 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



In Paris they went to the College de France, where women were allowed to 
listen to the lectures. During their stay in the French capital, they lived in a 
family of culture and refinement, one of whose members was a winsome little 
girl. She frequently sat in Miss Willard’s lap, eagerly talking with her, and 
unconsciously proved an able teacher, for her grown up friend afterwards said 
that from her, more than from any other source, she learned the French 
language as it is spoken by the intelligent classes. 

In Italy, all Miss Willard’s love of humanity was stirred. Although 
charmed with things beautiful and interesting she felt heart-sick at all the 
misery she saw. She has said <c that whatever else Rome taught her, she surely 
learned an intense love and tender pity for her race.” 

But in spite of sadness, her beauty-loving soul rejoiced to behold St. 
Peter’s and the other noble structures in Rome. The treasures of the Vatican 


Her beauty-loving soul rejoiced to behold St. Peter’s and the other noble structures in Rome’ 

16 




























THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ In Egypt they gazed into the face of the Sphinx, and climbed the pyramid of Cheops ” 
charmed her, and few of the gems of painting and sculpture escaped her 
observation. 

In Egypt they gazed into the face of the Sphinx, and climbed the 
pyramid of Cheops, Miss Willard reaching the top in advance of the others. 
But she said she felt as if she were stepping from a floor to a mantel-piece, and 
envied a bird which smoothly circled round the summit of the pyramid. 

In Palestine, they trod with reverent delight the paths familiar to the 
“ Holy Child of Bethlehem;” they walked in old Jerusalem and visited the 
places ever sacred because the Son of God had lived, and taught and suffered 
there. 

Everywhere they went they saw the noteworthy places, and sought out 
those which particularly appealed to them, going leisurely and with understand¬ 
ing, and returning to America with satisfaction and delight at being once more 
in their native land. 


7 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


Although eminent as a teacher, the fame attaching itself to Miss Willard’s 
name comes largely from her career as a Christian philanthropist, — a temper¬ 
ance reformer. While she was a professor at Northwestern University, there 
occurred in Ohio what was known as the Woman’s Crusade. Women, feeling 
in their souls that God had something for them to do in the temperance move¬ 
ment, went in praying bands to the saloons, pleading with the keepers to for¬ 
sake their wicked business. Many heeded them, and for a time a wave of fervor 
swept the Middle West. As months went by, this enthusiasm settled into a 

quiet, earnest purpose, 
and as a result the 
Woman’s Christian 
Temperance Union 
was organized. 
Always quick to be¬ 
lieve in good and pro¬ 
gressive things, Miss 
Willard took an in¬ 
terest in the organiza¬ 
tion, and, feeling, as 
she said, that she ought 
to help “just where 
she was,” made it a 
point to inform and 
instruct her pupils 
along this line 

In a short time 
came her resignation 
from the University 
and she was at liberty 
to look more deeply 
into the new move¬ 
ment. For this pur¬ 
pose she went East, 
met and talked 

Neal Dow, ‘The apostle of temperance ’ ” with Neal Dow, 

1 8 





THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ The apostle of temper- 
' ance,” Mary Livermore, 
of wide renown, and 
Lillian M. N. Stevens, 
upon whom in after years 
was to fall Miss Willard’s 
mantle of leadership. 

When the National 
Union was formed in the 
autumn of 1874, Miss 
Willard became itscorres- 
ponding secretary, hold¬ 
ing that office until 1879 
when she was elected 
president, continuing in 
that position the remain¬ 
der of her life. 

While in the early 
stages of her temperance 
career, Miss Willard as¬ 
sisted Mr. Moody in a 
series of religious meet¬ 
ings in Boston and at 
one of them met the 
young woman who was to play such an important part in her life, and in the 
growth and progress of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. It 
happened in this way. There was no one to plav the organ and the leader of 
the meeting called for a volunteer. Miss Anna Gordon responded and from that 
day became Miss Willard’s traveling companion, private secretary, co-worker in 
the temperance reform and her devoted friend. It was fitting that their friend¬ 
ship should have a musical beginning, for the “divine harmonies” in Miss 
Willard’s life were rendered even more beautiful by her close connection with 


“Lillian M. N. Stevens, upon whom in after years was to fall 
Miss Willard’s mantle of leadership” 


19 







THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



i < 


It was fitting that their friendship should have a musical beginning, for the ‘ divine harmonies ’ in 
Miss Willard’s life were rendered even more beautiful by her close connection 
with this lovely, gifted soul ” 


20 








THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


this lovely, gifted soul. “The Beautiful Life of Frances Willard,” written by 
Miss Gordon, has given us an insight into what was most beautiful and best in 
the leader’s life, and women everywhere gratefully acknowledge their debt to 
the biographer. 

After Miss Willard’s election to the presidency of the National Woman’s 
Christian Temperance Union, she advanced her “Do Everything” policy. 
Some people have criticised this, believing that the temperance women would 
better try to reform drinking men and leave other lines alone. But this deep¬ 
thinking and far-sighted woman knew that the temperance question touches 
well-nigh everything, and that an organization of thousands of women could 
undertake more than one kind of endeavor. As a result, departments of work 
were formed, with a superintendent at the head of each. The work done by 
these superintendents has been remarkable. Among other things, in every 
state and territory of this country there has been a law enacted providing that 
the children in the public schools shall be taught the danger and effect of 
alcohol and of narcotics. Children’s temperance societies, called “ Loyal Tem¬ 
perance Legions,” have been formed all over the land. Temperance teaching 
has been introduced into the Sunday-schools. Work has been done for all 
classes of men and women; temperance literature has been published and 
distributed far and wide; social meetings, mass meetings, and prayer meetings 
have received much attention. Peace and arbitration, Christian citizenship, 
flower mission work,—these are but a few of the departments developed by 
the policy of the wonderful woman who led so wisely and so well, always con¬ 
sidering first and foremost the principles of total abstinence and prohibition. 

Early in her work Miss Willard saw that “Alone we can do little. 
Separated we are the units of weakness, but aggregated we become batteries of 
power.” Believing this, she set herself the task of visiting, and organizing a 
union in all the larger towns and cities of this country. That she and Anna 
Gordon accomplished this tremendous undertaking in one year, shows how 
they worked and spared not themselves. 

Her work in the Southern states stands out prominently in the annals of 
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Her first audience in that section 


21 



THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



of the country was in 
Charleston, South Caro¬ 
lina. The gentleman who 
introduced her alluded 
to the fact that she was 
“a woman, a Northern 
woman, a Northern tem¬ 
perance woman,” bring¬ 
ing them the magic 
initials W. C. T. U. He 
added that he hoped the 
“ Miss Willard originated the Polyglot petition ” letters might mean to the 

south, “ We Come to Unite,” and to the liquor sellers, “ We Come to Upset.” 

It has been said that Frances Willard, by the charm of her presence, the 
sweetness of her voice and the lovable qualities of her nature, did more than 
any other person to bring together the hearts of the Northern and Southern 
women. Everywhere, she received gracious hospitality and attentive interest, 
and succeeded in establishing auxiliary unions in all parts of the South. 

Although she was an earnest patriot, Miss Willard’s love of country did 
not stop with her own, and her heart went out to other lands. It was in 
response to her appeal that the first round-the-world temperance missionaries 
set out. The success of the undertaking is seen in the fact, that today the 
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union is organized in fifty-nine nations of the 
world. 

The poet Whittier, when asked to write a few lines to be placed beneath 
the bust of Miss Willard, executed by Anne Whitney, wrote these words; 

“ She knew the power of banded ill. 

But felt that love was stronger still. 

And organized for doing good. 

The World’s united womanhood.” 

Miss Willard originated the Polyglot Petition, which is addressed to the 
heads of the governments of the world, praying for the prohibition of the liquor 
traffic and opium trade. By systematic work, seven million names, as well as 


22 



THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


attestations of great societies, were secured, and the petition was presented to 
the President of the United States and six months later to the Queen of 
England. It is still on its way around the world. 

No one who ever heard Miss Willard speak can forget the experience. 
Her voice was wonderfully sweet and clear, her eloquence marvelous, her logic 
convincing and her personality magnetic and captivating. No one could feel 
that she was other than a womanly woman, loving, and therefore serving, God 
and her fellow man. 

Miss Willard was the author of many books. One of the first was “How 
to Win,” which was written especially for girls. 

Among the others are “Woman and Temperance,” an account of the 
growth of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union; “A Classic Town,” 
the history of the city of Evanston, Illinois; “A Young Woman Journalist,” 
a book for young women entering the career of journalism; “ Glimpses of 
Forty Years,” her autobiography; “A Great Mother,” the biography of her 
mother; “ Woman in the Pulpit,” and other books mentioned elsewhere in this 
story. She wrote for many magazines 
and leading papers, and for a time was 
one of the editors of the Chicago Even¬ 
ing Post. 

As her mother’s health declined, 

Miss Willard gave up much of her 
public speaking for a time, tenderly 
ministering to the dear one; at the 
same time attending to her work by cor¬ 
respondence. Madam Willard’s health 
grew frailer and frailer and at last she 
peacefully slipped from this world, leav¬ 
ing her daughter grieving and desolate. 

Not long before, there had come to 
the United States a gracious woman, 

Lady Henry Somerset, who, as presi- 

“ Madam Willard’s health grew frailer and frailer” 

23 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ A gracious woman. Lady Henry Somerset 


4 







THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


dent of the British Woman’s Temperance Association, was eager to see and 
know Miss Willard. While here she had learned to love “America’s 
Queen,” as Miss Willard has often been called, and having loved Madam 
Willard, too, knew how bereft the mother’s death would leave the daughter. 
Therefore, when there came a cable message announcing the sad news Lady 
Henry urged Miss Willard and Miss Gordon to come to her at once. The 
invitation was accepted, and in August, 1893, they sailed for England. The 
writer remembers a telegram which came from Miss Willard just before they 
sailed. It read, “ Good-bye, pray us safely over.” No need to ask for prayers, 
for prayers and loving thoughts went with the voyagers, and gratitude was felt 
to the English sister who welcomed the sorrowing ones. 

As s6on as Miss Willard recovered from the first shock of her mother’s 
death, she again took up the thread of her life-work. Great meetings were 
held in England, and much honor was shown the woman, who years ago on 
the Wisconsin prairie asked the childish question, “ Shall we ever go any¬ 
where, or see anything, or know anybody ? ” There followed days of rest at 
Eastnor Castle, the home of Lady Henry Somerset, or at Reigate Priory, one 



“ There followed days of rest at Eastnor Castle” 










THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ Here, at the age of fifty-three. Miss Willard learned to ride a wheel ” 


26 












THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


of Lady Henry’s charming country homes. Here, at the age of fifty-three, 
Miss Willard learned to ride a wheel, and her experiences in doing this are 
delightfully told in her book, “How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle.” 

No one has forgotten the atrocious treatment which the Armenians 
received from the Turks a few years ago, and everyone should know the part 
which Miss Willard took in rendering aid to the persecuted race. She and 
Lady Henry Somerset were about to go to Normandy for a brief period ot 
rest, when they read in the English papers that a large number of Armenian 
refugees were in Marseilles, France. The French government did not know 
what to do with the strangers, and allowed them to stay in an old barn until a 
decision was reached. After reading the account, Miss Willard and Lady 
Henry Somerset abandoned all thought of rest and went to Marseilles. With 
the help of the Salvation Army, they secured suitable places of lodging for the 
Armenians, provided food and clothes, and arranged to distribute the refugees 
on the continent, in England and in America. They sent many to the United 
States, where they were welcomed by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. 
As the eager-eyed travellers saw a friendly face and the white ribbon badge, one 
of their number stepped forward and said with profound relief, “ Willard, 
Willard.” To these victims of Turkish violence, this one name represented 
all that is good and kind and friendly. The work at Marseilles was only the 
beginning of an organized effort, which meant financial and other aid to the 
martyr nation, and there is no brighter spot in Miss Willard’s career than that 
which shows so plainly her “ practical power, cool level-headedness, quiet 
judgment and careful choice of means to an end.” 

With occasional trips back and forth, England, as well as America, was 
Miss Willard’s home the last few years of her life. The work in this country 
was not neglected and the national conventions of that period were well planned 
and interesting, showing the steadiness of the hand resting on the helm, and 
the skillful steering of the temperance ship. 

The last months of Miss Willard’s life were spent in some of the places 
known and loved when she was a girl. Then, planning to go back to England 
for the spring and summer of 1898, and wishing to be in New York to attend 


27 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 



“ A large number of Armenian refugees were in Marseilles 


28 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


to some duties for a time before departing, she and Miss Gordon went to that 
city, guests at the Hotel Empire, whose proprietor, Mr. Quinn, had invited 
them to come. Two weeks after they arrived, Miss Willard seemed far from 
well, but at first little uneasiness was felt. As the days passed she gradually 
failed, and at last her anxious friends knew that the great and noble life was 
drawing to an earthly close. February 17th, the summons came, and her home¬ 
going was what one would expect from her well-lived life. All the world will 
ever cherish her last words, believing that she, who had lived on earth close 
to God, was so satisfied with the prospect of the other life, that as she passed 
away she murmured : “ How beautiful it is to be with God.” The rest which 
cannot come on earth God had given her in heaven. 

For no woman in the world was there ever such wide spread mourning. 
In many places flags—the stars and stripes she loved—were at half-mast, great 
memorial meetings were held, and all united to pay tribute to this remarkable 
woman. After services at New York, and along the route to Chicago, Miss 
Willard’s earthly remains lay in state in that city before being taken to Rest 
Cottage, at Evanston, where the last services were held. The disposition of 
her “ earthly house ” was in accordance with her expressed wish. By cremation, 
“ that path of pure refining fire,” the beloved form became ashes, pure and 
white as the soul to which it belonged, and found its resting place in the grave 
of the mother who had been the author and inspiration of Frances Willard’s 
life. 

From every quarter of the globe have come tributes varied and unique; 
from the unlearned as well as from the scholar, from the outcast as well as from 
the saint. Out of them all only three need here be told—three which show 
their range. 

A young teacher had been telling her class how Miss Willard had lived 
and died, and not long after, a little, wayward boy said to her: “Teacher, I 
meant to cheat in school today and then I thought of Frances Willard, and 
somehow I didn’t feel naughty any more.” 

The 17th of February, the anniversary of Miss Willard’s death, is called 
her “ heavenly birthday,” and when that day comes every Woman’s Christian 


29 




THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 





'Jyrlr,- 

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Copyright, 1905, Anna A. Gordon. 

“ A fitting representation of the noble subject ” 


30 














THE STORY OF FRANCES E. WILLARD 


Temperance Union is supposed to hold a commemorative meeting. Again 
the story of her life is told, the principles of the organization she loved are set 
forth, and an offering is taken to be added to the fund used, in her name, 
for the extension of the work so dear to her heart. 

February 17th, 1905, her home State of Illinois paid its tribute in a man¬ 
ner having national, as well as local significance. It is well known that each 
state has the privilege of placing in Statuary Hall, in the Capitol building at 
Washington, statues of two of its most famous citizens. Illinois has hitherto 
chosen but one upon whom to bestow this distinction, but now it has honored 
itself by selecting Miss Willard as the second one whose statue shall occupy a 
place in the hall of fame. Miss Helen Farnsworth Mears, of Wisconsin, is 
the sculptor, and she has wrought into the marble a fitting representation of 
the noble subject. As one marvels at the beauty of the statue, he feels that 
here at last is an appropriate tribute to Frances Willard, the underlying prin¬ 
ciples of whose character were as firm as the glistening marble, whose heart was 
as pure as its snowy whiteness. 

“ Through such souls alone, 

God stooping, shows sufficient of His light 
For us in the dark to rise by.” 



3 1 






FRANCES E. WILLARD 

Statuary Hall , February IJ, IQOj. 

BY 

Katherine Lent Stevenson 


How still she stands ! 

The snow-peak kissed by morning’s glad first-beam, 
The violet, bending to the woodland stream. 

The hush of twilight grey, before dawn’s gleam. 
Are not more still. 

How loved she stands ! 

Unnumbered souls their costliest incense bring ; 

O’er all the world her name doth heart-bells ring; 
Love-notes to her e’en little children sing ; 

How loved she stands! 

A Seer she stands ! 

To her clear eyes Truth’s radiant sweep unfolds ; 
She reads what, down the years, the future holds ; 
She sees things heavenly ’neath their earthly mould ; 
A Seer she stands ! 

Stand, radiant soul! 

Here, in the center of our Nation’s heart; 

Forever of its best life thou’rt a part ; 

Here thou shalt draw thy land to what thou art ; 
Stand, radiant soul! 







































































































































































































































































































































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